Tension is emerging ahead of the 2026 Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) elections after a group of aspirants challenged the legality of a newly introduced electronic registration system, arguing that it could affect members’ rights to participate in the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of officers.

In a letter dated July 14, 2026, addressed to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., who serves as the Titular Head of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, the aspirants formally raised concerns over the electronic registration process introduced by the current SLBA Executive.

The signatories, who are contesting various executive positions, said the new system was introduced only two weeks before the elections, following months of uncertainty, including the postponement of the original election, delays in payment verification, and changes in administrative procedures.

They argued that the Association’s existing Memorandum and Articles of Association clearly define the requirements for members to vote and contest elections, and do not provide for electronic registration as a condition for exercising those rights.

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According to the aspirants, the established practice has always been for members to pay their annual subscriptions through the designated bank, obtain official receipts from the SLBA Secretariat, and use those receipts as proof of eligibility to participate in the affairs of the Association.

They questioned whether members who have fulfilled the requirements under Article 32 of the Association’s governing documents but have not completed the electronic registration process would still be allowed to vote.

The aspirants stated that if such members are permitted to vote, then the electronic registration process would be optional and unnecessary. However, if members are denied voting rights for failing to complete the registration, they argued that it would amount to introducing an additional requirement not provided for in the Association’s rules.

The group also raised concerns about the involvement of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in the registration process, noting that one of the candidates for the position of Assistant Secretary General, Fateem Massally, is an employee of the institution responsible for developing the electronic registration platform.

While making no allegations of misconduct against Massally or DSTI, the aspirants said the situation could raise questions about the appearance of independence and impartiality in the electoral process.

“Elections must not only be conducted fairly; they must also inspire confidence among those participating in them,” the aspirants stated.

As a result, the group said it does not recognise the electronic registration exercise as a lawful prerequisite for participation in the AGM or election of officers.

They disclosed that they have advised their supporters not to take part in the electronic registration process and instead rely on official receipts issued by the SLBA Secretariat as evidence of compliance with membership payment requirements.

The aspirants warned that denying voting rights to members who possess valid receipts but failed to complete the recently introduced electronic registration could create confusion and disorder during the AGM.

They appealed for transparency, consistency, and adherence to the Association’s governing documents, stressing that these principles are necessary to preserve the dignity and credibility of the legal profession.

The letter was signed by Martina Baindu Egbenda (Aspirant President), Nicky Spencer-Coker (Aspirant Vice President), Caroline Sesay (Aspirant General Secretary), Mohamed Alie Kallon (Aspirant Assistant General Secretary), Margaret Murray (Aspirant Treasurer), Bernadeth Mallah (Aspirant Assistant Treasurer), and Ebunoluwa Tengbe (Aspirant Public Relations Officer).